PL-I

Name: Rodaina Ahmed, MD

Medical School: Drexel University - UPMC Harrisburg

Home: Bayonne, NJ

Career Goals: I'm interested in pursuing fellowship, while keeping an open mind exploring various specialties throughout residency; Currently, I am interested in GI!

Hobbies: Traveling with friends and family, adding to my perfume collection, exploring different cafes for matcha lattes, trying new restaurants, and visiting art museums

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: I was particularly drawn to Inova because of its commitment to community and advocacy efforts, such as the Inova Pediatrics Advocacy and Community Collaboration Committee (IPACCC). In addition, Inova is a medium-sized program with lots of resources and opportunities available for resident growth. I loved my interview day, filled with a supportive, family-like culture. I am also excited about the opportunity to live in the DMV area, with proximity to Washington, D.C., and to explore everything it has to offer!

Name: Kirill Bandalak, DO

Medical School: California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Home: Modesto, CA

Career Goals: Undecided but leaning more towards PEM, Neurology, Cardiology, or Hospitalist

Hobbies: Anything outside like exploring the city, community, or nature. And of course, trying new food, watching sports, and playing video games

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: I chose Inova because of the location, the people, and the welcoming environment during my interview! It immediately felt like home, where I knew I'd be happy and challenged to be the best pediatrician I can be. Also the program size was perfect, with excellent teaching and mentorship, which is evident in the great fellowship matches and post-residency career opportunities.

Name: Kayce Boggess, MD

Medical School: West Virginia School of Medicine - Charleston

Home: Charleston, WV

Career Goals: PEM/Child Abuse or PICU

Hobbies: D&D, Video Games, Photography, and Cooking

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: My sister recently accepted a position in Arlington, and I was eager to visit and learn about the new area. Each time I dropped in, I was struck by how welcoming the community is and how much I enjoyed the energy of the community. During my interview, I gained an even deeper appreciation for the kindness, support, and collaboration that define the culture of Inova. Everyone I spoke with had only positive things to say about Inova, which reinforced my enthusiasm. The area is vibrant and full of opportunity, and I am genuinely excited and honored to be joining the Inova family.

Name: Joy Chung, MD

Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin

Home: New Berlin, WI

Career Goals: NICU or Primary care

Hobbies: Traveling, hiking, doing puzzles, finding the best matcha spots around town, and trying out new restaurants!

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: I had the opportunity to complete an away/Acting internship here as a fourth-year medical student, and absolutely loved it! From my first day, it was clear that Inova is a truly special community. I felt immediately welcomed and supported by both residents and faculty, and was able to really appreciate the program’s commitment to caring for a diverse patient population and developing well-rounded, patient-centered physicians. I’m also very excited to be joining my husband in the DMV area as I start residency!

Name: Kristen Dawson, MBBS

Medical School: University of the West Indies Faculty of Medical Sciences, Jamaica

Home: Kingston, Jamaica

Career Goals: Nephrology or Critical Care

Hobbies: Going to the beach, Trying new restaurants with friends, Gym, Crochet, Piano, Baking

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: I chose Inova because it has the perfect balance for me - a mid-sized program, with a wide array of subspecialties, a supportive environment, and diverse patient population! I think Inova is somewhere I can really grow, explore and become the best pediatrician possible. Being in the DMV area and being close to family is also a huge bonus.

Name: Elizabeth Gasteiger, MD

Medical School: West Virginia School of Medicine - Charleston

Home: Fairfax, VA

Career Goals: Undecided but considering an inpatient specialty

Hobbies: Spending time with my son, husband, and dog; running; book club; crochet

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: I knew Inova was a great fit for me after my interview and visit. It felt like a place where I would have the support I needed while being challenged to learn and grow. There are many opportunities to be involved in advocacy in Virginia and DC. The medium size is also a big pro for me because I want to get to know my co-residents and program leadership well. Lastly, I'm from Fairfax and am excited to learn and care for kids in this area.

Name: Elizabeth Kline, MD

Medical School: George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences

Home: Allen, TX

Career Goals: After residency, I plan on pursuing a fellowship in Peds Critical Care!

Hobbies: I love to read, bake, hang out with friends, and spend time outdoors (especially when I have the excuse to bring my dog!)

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: I had the unique experience of working as a scribe in the Peds ED, and Inova is a place I truly consider home. When looking at residency programs, I knew I wanted something medium-sized where I would see diverse patient populations and cases. As someone who wants to pursue a fellowship after residency, I desired a program that encourages resident responsibility and autonomy while also providing consistent support and guidance when needed. My husband is originally from the DMV area, and after living here for the past six years staying close to family and friends was a high priority. While I already knew I loved the culture at Inova, meeting the residents during my second look really solidified my decision! Outside of medicine, I love any excuse to explore the city — especially visiting the Lincoln Memorial or Planet Word and having dinner at Oyamel!

Name: Joseph Lee, MD

Medical School: Creighton University School of Medicine

Home: River Vale, NJ

Career Goals: I want to do a fellowship, potentially PICU, hematology/oncology, or palliative care

Hobbies: Video games, running, hanging with my cat, trying new foods

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: I wanted to go to a residency program where I could feel strongly supported by my co-residents and attendings, and during my interview day, I immediately felt welcome by everyone I got to speak with. There is also broad exposure to all things pediatrics, so no matter what career path I end up choosing, I know I will end up graduating as a great general pediatrician. I am very excited to continue my journey as a physician here!

Name: Maryam Mahdi, MD

Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Home: McLean, VA

Career Goals: Undecided, but considering Hospital medicine or General pediatrics!

Hobbies: Trying new restaurants/cafes, walking outdoors, crocheting, spending time with family and friends

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: Growing up in Northern Virginia and volunteering at Inova in high school made this feel like the right place to come back to for training. Not only is my support system here, but I've always loved the diversity of the area and am excited to continue exploring the food scene. The size and close-knit community of the program were big draws for me as well. Overall, it just felt like the right fit, both personally and professionally, and somewhere I could see myself staying well beyond residency.

Name: Hannah Park, DO

Medical School: University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine

Home: Fairfax, VA

Career Goals: Primary Care

Hobbies: making my own matcha lattes, baking sourdough, reading, visiting museums (especially art), pilates/going on walks

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: I grew up in Northern Virginia and knew I wanted to return home where all my loved ones are and serve the community that helped me become who I am today. This area truly has so many opportunities given its diverse population and proximity to Washington, DC. I also truly enjoyed my interview day with how friendly and fun all the faculty and residents were even during the breaks and transition periods. I was confident that I would get incredible training to be a strong pediatrician while receiving the support I need at this program.

Name: Sibga Sufian, DO

Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

Home: Baltimore, MD

Career Goals: Hospital medicine, outpatient medicine

Hobbies: Beaded embroidery, exploring coffee shops, going to the gym

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: I had the opportunity to complete an acting internship here, and I highly enjoyed my experience working with everyone. The relationships that I made with the residents were one of my favorite parts about being at Inova. The residents were very welcoming; they were always willing to help, quick to include me, and clearly supportive of one another, which made the whole experience feel even more positive. I was also drawn to the program’s focus on advocacy and the chance to care for a diverse patient population. My experience showed me that Inova is the best place for me to become the kind of pediatrician I aspire to be.

Name: Alejandra Torres Diaz, MD

Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Home: Germantown, MD

Career Goals: Primary Care, Adolescent Medicine, or Child Psychiatry

Hobbies: Crocheting, Thrifting, Nature Walks, Reading Fiction, Watching TV, Baking, Hanging out with Family and Friends!

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: What originally drew me to Inova was my desire to come back to the DMV area. After being in Wisconsin for over 10 years, I felt like it was time to come back to the area that I was raised in. But what truly excited me about this program was the family feel that I felt during my interview. Everyone was so welcoming and I could see the great respect and camaraderie between not only residents but, residents and faculty. The medium size of the program was an additional perk as well as their focus on resident wellbeing. Additionally, I felt like this program would offer me the opportunity to grow into the community centered pediatrician that I aspire to be with its emphasis on patient advocacy and focus on social determinants of health. I am excited to be able to serve a diverse population and give back to the area I call home.